Federation Commander

damraska · Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 11:49 am Post subject: Starships Present and Past

I started playing Star Fleet Battles in 1984 and now play Federation Commander on occasion. From very early on I collected a miniature here and there but rarely built or painted them. About two years ago I returned to model building. Late last fall I rediscovered my SFB miniature stash and began plugging away, approaching each ship as a little model for display.

I belong to an IPMS (International Plastic Modeler's Society) club and occasionally write articles for the club website. This morning I published an article on my Star Fleet Battles miniatures, including some very old attempts at scratch building. I thought this article might interest some of the readers here.

Starships Present and Past

At this point my starship building efforts often diverge from the Star Fleet Battles / Federation Commander universe but I still feel a strong sense of nostalgia for the game. If acceptable, I will continue to share the more appropriate starships here.

Thanks for looking.

-Doug

Groknard · Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 5:51 pm Post subject:

I don't post here much, Doug, but those are just BEAUTIFUL! I'm really stunned by the amount of detail you managed to get into these.

That's it, I'm off the fence, I'm buying me some minis. They'll never look as good as yours, but they're a great reference as to what can be done. Thanks for putting up that page. I'm going to have to do a blog entry pointing to it.
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Rick Smith · Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 8:54 pm Post subject:

Amazing work Doug!
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UPFY

Sllarr · Lieutenant SG Joined: 01 Apr 2008 Posts: 148

You just ruined my life Doug.

Here I am , trying to finish my first batch of SFU minis and thinking that they are coming about pretty good. Then I saw your pictures... Mine will never look as good.

Seriously though, they are an inspiration to improve my skills and make better minis.

Congratulations.

Wolverin61 · Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 10:51 pm Post subject:

Those look great! Unfortunately, my universe is not even close to being that perfect.
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djdood · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 12:22 am Post subject:

Gorgeous work on those Feds Doug. I also enjoyed seeing your scratch builds. Thanks for sharing them with us.
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damraska · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:05 am Post subject:

Wow. Thanks to all of you for the very nice comments. I tend to second guess my work so all the positive feedback came as a pleasant surprise. I've seen some very, very good starships in this forum and aspire to reach those levels.

Three years ago I was not very good. To get where I am took a lot of practice, reading, willingness to try new things, and some humility. Good teachers help, and I've been fortunate to meet some amazing model builders and figure painters. I truly believe anyone willing to try can reach the same skill level and far, far beyond.

I will post some of my underway projects when I get time. I'm curious what people who know the game will think of my little abominations.

-Doug

Rick Smith · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:08 am Post subject:

Doug, did you sand down all the raised panel lines on your Federation ships?
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djdood · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:11 am Post subject:

I'm another guy coming at this hobby from more of a scale-model background, but I've found those skills have served me well. I spend as much time on the starshipmodeler.com boards as here, mostly to pick up new tricks for painting and sculpting.
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damraska · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:27 am Post subject:

Rick Smith · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:40 am Post subject:

Ah, sounds good. I couldn't quite tell from the shots.

I really like your work - grainy pigments or not!
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UPFY

damraska · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 3:49 am Post subject:

shauneroo · Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 5:13 pm Post subject:

That's some mighty fine work there man. I too come from an AFV modelling background, and it has never occured to me to use etched brass parts on my Fed Com models, so thanks for the tip!
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The Master · Lieutenant SG Joined: 30 Mar 2009 Posts: 120 Location: SWF

I hate you , I hate you Very Happy

Now I have to Pine sol my figs again and start over!

incredible work!! Smile

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SWO_Daddy · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 9:30 am Post subject:

Doug, I got here late (been moving). The link doesn't appear to be working anymore. Is there a way to still see your work? Based on all the high praise, I feel like I've really missed out.
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